Students can gain a fuller appreciation for the Emerald Isle and its unique traditions with BSU’s launch of a new Irish Studies Program.
The interdisciplinary minor allows undergraduates to take a range of classes exploring Irish literature, history, and culture, according to Dr. Ellen Scheible, assistant professor of English and the program’s coordinator.
Students can choose from among a variety of courses - currently more than 15 - offered by the anthropology, dance, English, history, music, and sociology departments to receive the required 18 credits. They may also earn credits from other courses or study abroad experiences with Irish studies content.
BSU has long included Irish culture and history in its curriculum and students have shown an interest in it, Scheible said. “We thought this would be a great opportunity to bring students into a place where they can experience the minor and get credit for all the classes they have been taking.”
BSU is one of a small number of the state’s public universities to offer an Irish Studies program.
Scheible said she expects the new minor to be popular with the many BSU students from Irish backgrounds, but also with those exposed to “Irish heritage and culture growing up in this region.”
The program will host periodic community events to showcase Irish culture, starting with a kick-off event, “A Celebration of Irish Culture and Heritage,” Sept. 23 from 2-7 p.m. at the library.
